Reckless Kelly & Friends and More Announced for Star-Spangled Fest, July 3 and 4

Two days of music and entertainment leading up to the 48th Annual Austin Symphony Orchestra July Fourth Concert and Fireworks, presented by H-E-B Operation Appreciation

AUSTIN, TX (June 4, 2025) – Star-Spangled Fest—the popular expansion of Austin’s iconic Fourth of July celebration introduced last year—returns with extended programming, including the Texas Music Scene Independence Eve Party, The Morning Spin and more.  This year’s festivities, held at the Long Center and Vic Mathias Shores, offer something for everyone with a variety of music, food, drinks, games and contests. The celebration culminates with the 48th annual Austin Symphony Orchestra July 4th Concert and Fireworks, presented by H-E-B Operation Appreciation. Access to Vic Mathias Shores is free and open to the public. Premier Access and tickets to additional programming are available at starspangledfest.com.

Independence Eve

The Texas Music Scene Independence Eve Party launches Star-Spangled Fest with an unforgettable night of music on July 3 at The Long Center. Headlined by Reckless Kelly, the show features an all-star lineup of special guests, including performances by host of the Texas Music Scene, Jack Ingram, legendary singer-songwriter Alejandro Escovedo, torchbearer of Red Dirt country, Jason Boland, Americana standout Lilly Hiatt, acclaimed vocalist Kelly Willis, rising talent Calder Allen, and honky-tonk favorite Ellis Bullard. Kicking off the show is one of the most compelling new voices in Americana and Texas country, Kat HastyThe evening will also feature a live taping for The Texas Music Scene TV show.

Tickets are available at longcenter.org. Thanks to our presenting sponsor, Thomas J. Henry, and generous underwriters, complimentary entrance will be available for active military and veterans through VetTix.org. For updates, follow @starspangledfest on Facebook and Instagram.

 

Independence Day

The Morning Spin kicks off the day’s festivities the Austin way with a high-energy morning event featuring house music, coffee, cold drinks, local food trucks, and exclusive merch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year, The Mushroom Cowboy and The Concourse Project are joining forces to deliver the biggest Morning Spin yet, featuring the event’s largest artist to date, to be announced soon. Created to reimagine social gatherings, this vibrant daytime series invites people to connect through music and community. General Admission tickets and VIP Cabanas are available at https://www.starspangledfest.com/morning-spin

Starting at 4:30 p.m., market vendors, bars, food trucks, and a fun kids zone will open at Vic Mathias Shores for evening activities. Numerous food vendors will be on-site, including Amy’s Ice Cream, Burro Cheese Kitchen, The Corndog Company, Downtown Burgers, Espadas de Brazil, Gelu Italian Ice, JZ BBQ, Konfusedesi, Pop It Like It’s Hot, Pork Booty ATX, Shawarma Point, Snowie Austin, Sweeter Than Sour, T-Locs, and Wetzel Pretzel.

Day 2 of Star-Spangled Fest promises an evening of diverse sounds, leading up to a spectacular performance by the Austin Symphony and a dazzling fireworks display.  “We are incredibly excited to showcase such a talented array of Austin musicians this July Fourth,” said Allegra Benz, Producer, Forefront Networks. “This lineup truly represents the live music capital of the world, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience their incredible performances before the symphony and fireworks.”

The festivities kick off at 5:00 p.m. on the Shoreline Stage with Austin native and rising star Calder Allen, whose soulful blend of country and rock has made him a local favorite. Following at 5:45 p.m., the VIP Lawn Stage will host the enchanting sounds of Mélat, known for her captivating R&B and soul melodies.  The energy continues at 6:15 p.m. back on the Shoreline Stage with Texas Female Artist of the Decade Bri Bagwell, bringing her powerful vocals, smart hooks, and memorable melodies. Closing out the local acts on the VIP Lawn Stage at 7:45 p.m. are the electrifying Peterson Brothers, who will ignite the crowd with their signature blend of soul, funk, blues, and jazz.  The evening culminates with the Austin Symphony Orchestra beginning their patriotic concert at 8:30 p.m., leading into Austin’s most anticipated fireworks show at 9:30 p.m., illuminating the downtown skyline.

Fourth of July Schedule of Events

10:00 a.m. The Morning Spin gates open to ticketed guests

1:00 p.m. Gates close for The Morning Spin

4:30 p.m. Free and VIP areas open for concert and fireworks 

5;00 p.m. Local musicians take the stage

8:00 p.m. Master of Ceremonies Juliet of MAJIC 95.5 FM, begins 

8:45 p.m.        Austin Symphony Orchestra concert 

9:30 p.m.        Fireworks show

 

VIP Tickets

There are three premium fireworks and concert viewing options, all with Early Bird pricing available:

The Long Center for the Performing Arts 

  • VIP Reserved Tables @ Long Center Terrace ($2,500 donation) This 10-ticket package includes a private table on the H-E-B Terrace at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, where guests will enjoy unobstructed views of the stage and fireworks against the Austin city skyline, as well as a bar, family-style dinner, access to the Shoreline VIP area, garage parking, VIP after-party and access to the Long Center’s air-conditioned lobby and restrooms.
  • VIP Lawn Access @ Long Center Terrace ($85/person, free under 10 years old): Bring your blankets and enjoy hillside seating with dedicated food trucks, yard games, a photo opportunity, and a full cash bar. VIP lawn guests will have access to the Long Center’s air-conditioned lobby and restrooms.

Vic Mathias Shores VIP Access

  • Shoreline Tickets ($45/person, free under 10 years old):  Exclusive access to a designated area by the stage and shore where ticket-holders can enjoy amenities including shaded areas, air-conditioned restroom stations, a dedicated bar, proximity to a variety of food trucks, a photo opportunity and surprise and delights along the way.

The fireworks display and concert operate entirely from sponsor support, donations, and funds from ticket sales. Organizers would like to recognize long-time title sponsor H-E-B Operation Appreciation, and thank the generosity of Thomas J. Henry, Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, Ascension Seton, Planet Fitness, Wells Fargo, Majic 95.5, Texas Country 95.9 and Mix 94.7.

For more information on the schedule of events, to purchase VIP tickets, and to contact the organizer for sponsorship and vending opportunities, visit www.starspangledfest.com, follow on Facebook and Instagram at @starspangledfest.